DYING TO BE HERE: THE MIGRANT WHO FELL FROM THE SKY

Cinemavixion Review

Richard Bentley's documentary, 'Dying to Be Here: The Migrant Who Fell From the Sky,' is a profound and harrowing exploration of desperation and the human will to survive. The film meticulously reconstructs the near-unbelievable story of a man who endured an eleven-hour flight from Johannesburg to Heathrow in the landing gear of a plane, a journey marked by sub-zero temperatures and the constant threat of death. Bentley's five-year investigation is not merely a recounting of events but a deep dive into the socio-political context of global migration crises and the increasingly divisive attitudes towards immigration. The director navigates bureaucratic obstacles and travels the globe, culminating in a poignant face-to-face encounter with a survivor whose account is both heartbreaking and illuminating. This is a vital piece of filmmaking, shedding light on a critical issue of our time with sensitivity and unflinching honesty.